On the first of October, I will be moving into 620 12 Ave SW; this historic building is called “the Lorraine”. While I was initially wowed by the versatility of the space and the charm of the décor, I was also struck more recently by the wealth of stories held within. Heidi Klaassen published an article, a love letter to the building, back in August and it has not since left my mind.
As my entrance into the space looms, I pause on Klaassen’s words about her own entrance. She called it “an admission into the life [she] intended to lead”. The Lorraine feels to me like an opening into the practice I have always envisioned. A mediation practice removed from the stiff formalities normally associated with the legal process. I am proud of the unique atmosphere of my mediations, my goal is always to be accommodating and to make the process as free of pain and full of ease as possible.
The Lorraine is rich with character and stories, within the original brick walls an ever-shifting inner life. In my space, I hope to be as adaptable and fluid as the space itself. While still honouring the original character of the building, I am designing my space to have adaptable meeting areas and furniture to meet the unique needs of my clients. Another goal of mine is to create a comfortable space where clients might feel at home as we embark upon our mediating journey.
That is the true character of the building: the rotation of people as they move in, create memories, and move on. Klaassen remarks upon that nature, “The Lorraine heard them yell and cry and laugh. She watched as they tripped on the stairs or climbed them two at a time. For a while, their stories happened in those four storeys.” The Lorraine itself has a character, built from many stories over many years. The Lorraine and I understand that though people may just be passing through, these experiences shape their lives. We all bring our own histories into the room with us, and mediation can be a vulnerable or life-changing experience. My job is to try and ensure that it is a comfortable and positive one.
I want to say how proud I am to be moving into this iconic space with its incredible stories of love and loss, triumph and romance, tragedy and joy. These are the things which weave into the fabric of our lives. I will be adding my story to #303, and I can only hope to live up to the tales of my predecessors.
Heidi Klaassen’s Original Article: (link) https://www.sprawlcalgary.com/calgary-lorraine-building